Mizeur To Seek Public Financing In Md. Gov's Race

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Del. Heather Mizeur said she plans to participate in the state's public-financing system in next year's race for governor, part of a broader effort to limit the influence of corporate money in politics.

By accepting matching funds from the state, Mizeur, a Montgomery County Democrat, would need to agree to limit overall spending.

"We should be restoring the public trust in our system ... We should make sure the voters' voices are the ones that get heard in this process," Mizeur said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Mizeur badly trails her Democratic rivals, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, in fundraising. Participating in the state's public financing system means Mizeur could qualify for more than $1 million in state funds if she agrees not to spend more than about $2.5 million in the primary. She had about $380,000 in her campaign account the last time candidates were required to disclose their finances, which was nearly a year ago.

Mizeur is also proposing a ban on corporate contributions as well as donations from those who bid for state contracts, and she wants the state to continue to provide matching funds for contributions of $250 or less.

The last time gubernatorial candidates in Maryland accepted public financing was in 1994. Republican candidate Ellen Sauerbrey took public money but lost to Democrat Parris Glendenning, who did not.
------

------
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)